A young boy from Yemen, Mazen, underwent successful surgery for rare papillary thyroid cancer at Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre in India. At just 8 years old, he is the second youngest child in India to undergo such a procedure, highlighting the rarity of this type of cancer in children.
Mazen was brought to the hospital in January with a significant swelling in his neck, initially suspected to be a common lymphatic swelling. However, further investigations revealed the presence of thyroid cancer, a rare diagnosis in someone so young.
A team of experts at Jaslok conducted thorough tests, including ultrasound, biopsy, blood tests, and a PET CT scan, to assess the extent of the cancer and rule out any spread in the body. The surgery to remove the cancer was complex due to Mazen’s age and small neck size, posing risks to vital structures in the neck.
Dr. Fazal Nabi, Director of Paediatrics at the hospital, stated, “Investigations showed the presence of papillary carcinoma of thyroid which was later confirmed on biopsy. A PET scan showed enlarged cervical lymph nodes and thyroid swelling. He was operated for total thyroidectomy. He was discharged on oral calcium and vitamin D.”
The surgery was a success, and Mazen was discharged after three days. Dr. Fazal highlighted the rarity of papillary carcinoma of thyroid in children, emphasizing the need for intensive management of calcium and vitamin D levels for optimal outcomes. The young patient will now undergo further treatment with radioactive iodine ablation.
Mazen’s father, Samad Zaid, expressed gratitude towards the doctors for their care and shared his joy at seeing his son return to normal life. The successful surgery and ongoing treatment mark a significant milestone in Mazen’s journey towards recovery from this rare form of cancer.
